ICNA Demands Repealing of Efforts to Censor & Black-list

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ICNA demands repealing of unconstitutional efforts to censor and black list citizens and businesses engaged in BDS against injustice.

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-—FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE—-

NEW YORK, NY (Sept. 8, 2016) – The Islamic Circle of North America calls on the New York City Council to reject Resolution 1058 and the limitations it places on free speech and peaceful civil protests.
The resolution unfairly targets the peaceful and legitimate BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions) movement against Israel without mentioning that Israel has violated more international laws and United Nations resolutions than any other nation in history.
Economic protests are fundamental to the establishment of this nation and are a cornerstone of free speech. This nation was founded out of an economic protest – the Boston Tea Party, and it would be hypocritical for the city council to now ban forms of peaceful economic protests under the guise of protecting a friendly nation.

At this time of great polarization in our nation, free speech must be protected at all costs, lest we become one of the repressive regimes we see around the world.

Any restrictions on BDS is against the American constitution and violates the civil rights of freedom of speech, expression and association of the constituents of our great city.

Our city should not be punishing political speech. Boycotts have had a long history of being used as a tool for social justice movements, and the movement for Palestinian rights should not be singled out for censorship. This sets a dangerous precedent of a politically-motivated McCarthyite blacklist.

ICNA hopes that the city council will reaffirm the fundamental rights of its constituents to engage in activism for social justice and does not black list activists for their political thoughts, speech and association as guaranteed by our constitution and reject this resolution.

The Islamic Circle of North America is a leading American Muslim organization dedicated to the betterment of society through the application of Islamic values. Since 1968, ICNA has worked to build relations between communities by devoting itself to education, outreach, social services and relief efforts.